Early Church Obstacles

[msmith]

I think that it is worth noting one of the major difficulties the Apostles were faced with in their everyday struggle to spread the Gospel. When we better understand this barrier we can begin to see that it was rooted in cultural difference much like what we face today. 

Gnosticism was the prevailing thought or belief of the Roman Empire because it was widely accepted by the ancient Greek culture, which dominated the composition of the Roman Empire. It is a belief system that is established on what we know today as relativism. Gnostics also believe in a secret wisdom or knowledge that can only be passed on by a Gnostic prophet or teacher.
 
Gnosticism is a philosophical and religious movement, which started in pre-Christian times. The name is derived from the Greek word "gnosis" which literally means "knowledge."  However, the English words "Insight" and "enlightenment" capture more of the meaning of "gnosis."  It is pronounced with a silent "G" (NO-sis). Gnosticism is not factual, intellectual, rational knowledge, such as is involved in mathematics and physics; that would have been more accurately represented by the Greek world "episteme." Rather, Gnosticism involves the relational or experiential knowledge of a god and of the divine or spiritual nature within us. ¹

Gnostics believe that they have secret knowledge about god, humanity and the rest of the universe of which the general population is unaware. It became one of the three main belief systems within the 1st century. Following are four differences from Christianity and Judaism worth noting:
 

• Belief in multiple or pluralistic gods and the world, which differed from those of other beliefs.
• Acceptance of different religious beliefs within and outside of Gnosticism.
• Lack of discrimination towards women.
• A person attains salvation by learning secret knowledge of their spiritual essence: a divine spark of light or spirit.

     
Religious sects grounded in Gnosticism are currently experiencing a revival throughout the world probably due to its pluralistic and relativistic open-ended acceptance that all beliefs are acceptable to God.

Does everyone understand the basic difference between Greek & Hebrew belief and reasoning? [/size]

[Grannymom]

Marc, I believe Gnosticism is one reason why Paul listed the qualifications of the bishop and the deacon in the church where Timothy was pastor. I believe much is read into or attributed to Paul in understanding of these verses than Paul's purpose for writing them.

[harley]

Marc, I believe Gnosticism is one reason why Paul listed the qualifications of the bishop and the deacon in the church where Timothy was pastor. I believe much is read into or attributed to Paul in understanding of these verses than Paul's purpose for writing them.

Your use of the word "pastor" has me wondering. Do you use that in the biblical sense as in the bible pastor is actually an elder - a church office established by God. "Pastor" as used in modern language is usually referring to a minister or preacher. A preacher does not have the qualifications enumerated as the pastor, elder, or bishop does. Indeed at the time Timothy was probably single thus it was impossible for him to be a "pastor".